BELVIDERE — First-time, non-violent offenders in Boone County may get a second chance at having a clean slate.

Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier announced Tuesday that people who commit low-level felonies can have their charge dismissed if they complete the First Offender Program. They will be held accountable for their actions without jeopardizing their potential to contribute to society.

Otherwise, Courier said, several aspects of their futures — ranging from getting into college to obtaining jobs to coaching Little League — could feel like an uphill battle since criminal history follows people their whole lives.

“It’s these cases that keep you up at night. You know with certain individuals they made a stupid mistake, and they will be forever changed and limited by a stupid mistake,” Courier said.

People who commit low-level felonies, like retail theft or forgery, are eligible to participate in the program. Individuals who are currently on probation, are an active gang member or are charged with higher-level offenses are generally not.

To apply, individuals must complete an intake interview, appear before the First Offender Community Panel and receive the green light from the state’s attorney. They also must admit to the charge.

It’s up to the offenders at that point to prove they are worth staying in the program, said Fred Brereton, who is serving on the panel.

They might be required to undergo mental health counseling, complete random drug tests or obtain a GED as part of their agreement. They cannot commit another offense.

“They can’t say they were not given the opportunity for a fair shake,” Brereton said.

If they successfully complete the program, the felony charge will be dismissed. If they don’t, it will be prosecuted in court.

One mistake that results in a felony conviction can make it difficult to find work.

Employers often have preconceived notions about people who commit felonies. They do not always look at when the crime was committed or the circumstances surrounding the incident, said John Strandin, spokesman for the The Workforce Connection, which is an umbrella organization of several federal- and state-funded job-training and education institutions.

Individuals who have burglarized a car may be seen in the same light as those who committed a violent crime. It puts this sector of society at a disadvantage, he said.

“Once you have something on your record, it becomes a red flag to employers. If you have 100 people applying for a job and you’re on there as an ex-offender, it’s going to be difficult for you,” Strandin said.